Men and Women of the Year

If you could trade places for a day with another person, who would it be? I wouldn't trade places with anyone because I am content with myself.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To be more educated and spend more time increasing my knowledge of the universe.

What is your all-time favorite book, film and song? Book: "The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam," the Persian poet whose collection of poems reflects the meaning of life, love, passsion and simple pleasure of life. Song: Anything by the Beatles. Film: War and Peace.

What are you most afraid of? Growing old before I have fulfilled my dreams.

Describe your perfect day: Breakfast with my family, followed by two hours of competitive tennis with my friend Jack (I would thrash him, of course). Attend a charity or civic meeting; a fruitful business lunch with a new client; negotiating a successful construction contract in the afternoon; a good workout with a trainer; enjoying a delicious meal and great wine with good friends; finishing the evening with a glass of port and a Cuban cigar.

Robert Cacioppo

The 44-year-old president and founder of the Florida Repertory Theatre puts maximum enthusiasm into everything he does-from making a bolognese sauce to directing the latest Pultizer Prize-winning drama.

You can quote me: I feel truly blessed to be able to spend my life doing what I love best-directing.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? At 17 years old, getting Stella Popodapolis, the most beautiful girl in Alexander's department store in Queens, to go out with me. After that, I'd have to say it was starting Florida Repertory Theatre, which has become a world-class theater in just three years.

How would you improve the quality of life in Southwest Florida? Have more bars with gorgonzola cheese-stuffed martini olives and get the county governments to give more money to the arts.

Who are your personal heroes? My father, the most honest man I know.

What is your most notable characteristic? My second-grade teacher said that I was overly enthusiastic. Some things haven't changed in 35 years.

What is the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? I am quite shy.

Describe your perfect day: My children (Matt, 11, and Julie, 10) kissing me awake. Followed by two hours in the gym. At work by 9:30 to discover a $10,000 donation to Florida Rep, followed by the first rehearsal of a new production. In the evening, a small dinner party for 10-12 close friends in which I do the cooking. The perfect day would end in bed with my wife and a new episode of the "The Sopranos."